We practice “refectory reading” during our midday meal, the main meal of the monastic day. St. Benedict specifies that the monks should eat in silence and one of the monks should read to the community while they are eating. Often, we are listening to a work of history or biography–monastic biography, for example–a book about monastic practices or even science or travel. During Advent and Holy Week, Abbot Robert tries to find some reading more appropriate to the Liturgical Season
This Advent we are listening to Sherry A. Weddell’s Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus. It’s a relatively short book published by Our Sunday Visitor and one that Bishop Loverde has given to each priest of the Diocese of Arlington for the Year of Faith to stumulate the “new evangelization” begun by Pope John Paul II and restimulated by Pope Benedict this year. This book reminds us that Catholics are not just drifting away from the Church but are actively leaving for other Christian churches to discover the environment and support for discipleship to Christ. Our past Catholic culture–or cultural Catholicism–is failing to produce disciples for Christ. Despite our doctrine, our sacraments, our theological and mystical traditions, all of which could deepen our discipleship, Catholics too often fail to know Jesus Christ and the Gospel, fail to form a deep and living relationship with the personal God who reaches out to us in the New Covenant. This book examines that phenomenon and suggests some perspectives and strategies to get us back on the right track.
There’s an important ecumenical dimension here: the Protestant churches have much to teach us about discipleship and about devotion to the living word of God. Ave Maria Press, a Catholic publisher, offers a stimulating book by an American Anglican Rector in Boston. Rev. Timothy Clayton’s Exploring Advent with Luke: Four Questions for Spiritual Growth is a stimulating guide to solid lectio divina. Fr. Timothy considers only the “Infancy Narrative” of St. Luke’s Gospel from the perspective of our post-modern malaise and engages the reader’s imagination to make the Gospel come alive and question ourselves, break open our capacity for faith and discipleship. What a stimulating way to deepen our Advent journey!
James F Maloney says
Dear James of Berryville,
Much could be said or written…..suffice to say……the Church has concentrated on the Church…..and….not on the people……second……the Church has almost made Mary a Co-Redeemer…..for her…two months are set aside….October and May…..two holy days…..the Immaculate Conception (which is upon us)…and…..the Assumption…yet….only one day is dedicated to the Holy Spirit…..it is presumed all know the name of that day…..the Christian churches focus on the Spirit…..the Church stresses Mary……and….the pews empty…..
In other news….thank you James…..for the suggested Advent reading…..presently I am working thru….”The Prophets”…….may the good Lord continue to bless my brothers at Holy Cross……my prayers and thoughts
for the Abbey are constant……my brother Brother Henry one of your founders is buried in your cemetery..
Shalom….
James of Pine Beach
Brendan says
Because we are a Church that believes in the Trinity, my belief and assumption has always been that the Spirit of our Lord is with us always. I don’t see any diminishment in our daily lives — unless one chooses not to acknowledge that. Meanwhile, I believe there is plenty of room for honorific celebrations of the Mother of our Lord. Personally, I don’t believe it’s an either or situation. I also don’t believe that the empty pews are due to the elevation of Our Lady. I’ll stop here.
Blessings to all this Advent!
James F Maloney says
God bless you Brendan,
You are correct in stating “there is plenty of room for honorific celebrations of the Mother of our Lord”……and……”I don’t believe it’s an either or situation”…..my comments were in the comparative….and….certainly there is an imbalance in the Church’s dedication to Mary and the Holy Spirit…
please note my remarks began with “much could be said or written”……..further you are on target when you state “I also don’t believe that the empty pews are due to the elevation of Our Lady”……my comparative would
support the diminution of the Holy Spirit’s influence as one of the more serious negatives……certainly there are many other internal and external negatives……”much could be said and written”…..at any rate….please be kind enough to consider…..those who criticize the Chruch….love her as much as…..those who sit in loyalty……
This site is probably not intended for personal debate…..so “I’ll stop here”
May God grant all of us a prayerful Advent…..as we await…….
James of Pine Beach